Driving the 2005 Volvo XC90 V8 is a treat thanks to the powerful drivetrain and the effective brakes, but we think the steering is too stiff and that the suspension could use improvement.

Fire the engine, select a gear, and off the XC90 V8 roars, emitting an exhaust note that lacks the traditional rumble of most eight-cylinder engines yet is clearly throatier than a typical six-cylinder motor. Imagine the sound created by a Mustang GT and Nissan 350Z revving simultaneously, and you’ll approximate the distinctive note of the XC90 V8.

Though quick, the XC90 V8’s throttle response could use improvement. There’s a momentary delay upon initial pedal application, common in European cars but maddening in the crush of aggressive, American bumper-to-bumper traffic. At least the ventilated four-wheel-disc brakes are responsive, with terrific pedal feel that makes it simple to squeeze just the right amount of pressure to the pads.

On the rumpled freeways of Los Angeles, the XC90 V8 porpoised plenty due to its short wheelbase, producing a ride quality unfit for a luxury vehicle. Even on surface streets, the SUV exhibited a busy ride usually associated with less expensive machinery. On smooth blacktop, the XC90 V8 was happiest, but typically drivers encounter such flawless surfaces infrequently. We did, however, appreciate the self-leveling rear suspension when driving with a full load of passengers and cargo.

Steering, too, could use improvement. Off center, the steering builds excessive heft and pressure, requiring muscle to hold a line through a sweeping curve, or to parallel park. Luxury vehicles should feel light and lively at the fingertips, but our Volvo XC90 V8 felt ponderous and heavy. The optional wood-rimmed steering wheel, which gets hot enough under direct sunlight to toast bruschetta, doesn’t help matters, especially if the driver has excessive sweat or lotion on his palms.

We blazed along a two-track trail cutting across the high desert floor with a couple of dry washes and a rutted hill to test the Volvo’s mettle, and the XC90 V8 performed well in this light-duty off-roading environment. Volvo’s Instant Traction AWD system works as advertised, at least in the loose dirt of California’s Antelope Valley. We did not get a chance to test the system in mud, rain, or snow.

Ultimately, the 2005 Volvo XC90 V8 is something of a compromise. Based as it is on the V70’s platform, it’s stuck with a shorter-than-optimum wheelbase and a tall, narrow stance that gives it a choppy ride and lower handling limits than some competitors. But the 4.4-liter V8 engine gets good fuel economy, is the first eight-cylinder to meet ULEV-II emissions standards, makes for entertaining driving in combination with the Geartronic automatic, and is mounted transversely to preserve the XC90’s frontal crush zone in an accident. Plus, the new Instant Traction AWD provides added peace-of-mind when the weather turns foul.